Molecular characterization of feline paramyxovirus in Japanese cat populations.

Feline paramyxovirus (FPaV) is a member of the family Paramyxoviridae that has been reported only in Germany and the United Kingdom. We detected FPaV for the first time in Japan by transcriptome sequencing of cat urine samples. We determined the genome structure of FPaV and conducted a phylogenetic analysis. It was found that FPaV belongs to the genus Jeilongvirus and forms a clade with Mount Mabu Lophuromys virus 1 (MMLV-1). FPaV lacks a small hydrophobic (SH) gene that is found in members of the genus Jeilongvirus; however, some jeilongviruses also do not have this gene. These results provide information about the diversity and evolution of paramyxoviruses.

Effect of long-term amiodarone treatment on thyroid function in euthyroid Japanese patients: a 12-month retrospective analysis.

Amiodarone is an effective antiarrhythmic drug. However, it is associated with changes in thyroid function in euthyroid patients due to its high iodine content and intrinsic drug effects. Studies have been conducted in iodine-deficient and iodine-sufficient countries; however, data from countries with excessive iodine intake are lacking. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of long-term amiodarone treatment on thyroid function in euthyroid Japanese patients. Japanese adults aged ≥18 years who were treated with amiodarone for at least 90 consecutive days were included in this retrospective chart review. Patients with abnormal thyroid function test results at baseline were excluded. Serial changes in thyroid function tests at baseline and at days 30, 90, 180, 270, and 360 were analyzed using a mixed-effects model for repeated measures. In total, 46 patients with a mean age of 63.7 years were evaluated. The mean TSH level significantly increased from 1.62 µIU/mL at baseline to 3.43, 2.75, 2.84, 2.78, and 2.65 µIU/mL at days 30, 90, 180, 270, and 360, respectively. The mean free T4 level significantly increased from 1.3 ng/dL at baseline to 1.4, 1.5, 1.5, 1.5, and 1.5 ng/dL at days 30, 90, 180, 270, and 360, respectively. The mean free T3 level significantly decreased from 2.8 pg/mL at baseline to 2.4, 2.3, 2.3, 2.4, and 2.4 pg/mL at days 30, 90, 180, 270, and 360, respectively. In conclusion, significant changes in thyroid function persisted not only in the acute phase but also in the chronic phase of long-term amiodarone treatment.

Isolation of dermatophytes and related species from domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus).

We investigated 793 bird combs [645 chickens and 148 fighting cocks (Shamo)] to determine the prevalence of dermatophytes and their related fungal species. The targeted fungal species were recovered from 195 of the 793 examined birds (24.6 %). Prevalence ratios were compared in temperate (the mainland) and subtropical (Nansei Islands) areas, genders, strains, breeding scale (individual and farm), and housing system (in cage and free ranging). The frequency of the fungal species in the mainland, males, fighting cocks, breeding scale by individual nursing, and free-range housing system exhibited significantly higher positive ratios than that in the other groups. A total of 224 dermatophytes and related species were isolated, including 101 Arthroderma (Ar.) multifidum, 83 Aphanoascus (Ap.) terreus, five Uncinocarpus queenslandicus, two U. reesii, two Ap. pinarensis, one Amauroascus kuehnii, one Ar. simii, one Gymnoascus petalosporus, one Microsporum gallinae, and 28 Chrysosporium-like (Chrysosporium spp.) isolates, which were identified using internal transcribed spacer regions of ribosomal RNA gene sequences. The predominant fungal species in the mainland was Ap. terreus and that in the Nansei Islands was Ar. multifidum. Pathogenic fungal species to humans and animals were limited to M. gallinae and Ar. simii, which corresponded to 0.025 % of the isolates in this study.

Isolation of Microsporum gallinae from a fighting cock (Gallus gallus domesticus) in Japan.

A case of tinea corporis caused by Microsporum gallinae was found in 2011 in Okinawa, located in the southern part of Japan. The patient was a 96-year-old, otherwise healthy, Japanese man, who had been working as a breeder of fighting cocks for more than 70 years. He was bitten on his right forearm by one of the cocks and a few weeks later, two erythematous macules appeared on the right forearm, accompanied by a slight itchy sensation. While the first isolate of this dermatophyte was recovered from the region by Miyasato et al. in 2011, it was not obtained from the same fighting cock owned by the patient. However, frequent exchanges of fighting cocks and special domestic breeds of chickens related to fighting, mating, and/or bird fairs are common among the fans and breeders. We investigated 238 chickens and 71 fighting cocks in Okinawa and in the suburbs of Tokyo (Chiba, Tokyo, Ibaraki, and Sizuoka). One isolate of M. gallinae from a fighting cock in Chiba Prefecture in the Tokyo metropolitan area exhibited a different genotype, with a single base difference from the patient isolate based on the internal transcribed spacer 1-5.8s-ITS2 regions (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) of the ribosomal RNA gene sequence. The isolation of M. gallinae from a fighting cock on the mainland of Japan is the first such finding in animals in our country.

Relationships between the expression of adipose genes and profiles of hospitalized dogs.

Obesity is one of the risk factors for the onset of various metabolic diseases in dogs. Energy expenditure in brown/beige adipocytes, which is partially regulated by the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway, is a key factor determining systemic energy balance. Here, we examined gene expression in the fat depots of 129 hospitalized dogs, and the relationship between the relative levels of gene expression and profiles of dogs. We evaluated the expression levels of 23 genes such as regulatory genes of adipocyte differentiation and function, adipokines, genes related to brown adipogenesis and uncoupling protein (Ucp), and genes involved in BMP signaling. A reliable equation of multiple regression was not obtained to explain the body condition score (BCS), which is an index of adiposity. Positive relationships were detected between the expression levels of many genes, except for Ucp1 or Ucp3. BCS was found to increase with age. BCS was negatively correlated to the expression levels of Pparγ and Fasn, and positively correlated to Leptin and Opn3 expression. Aging decreased the expression levels of genes related to adipocyte differentiation and function (Pparγ, Fabp4, Fasn, Hsl, and Insr) and Adipoq. In addition, age was negatively correlated with the expression of genes involved in brown adipogenesis and BMP signaling components (Prdm16, Bmp4, Alk3, Actr2a, and Actr2b). In contrast, the expression levels of Leptin and Ucp2 were found to increase with age. The present study clarifies BCS- and age-related gene expressions in the adipose tissue, which potentially contribute to elucidating the etiology of canine obesity.

Clinical utility of 1-month postpartum random plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin combined with pre-pregnancy body mass index for detecting postpartum glucose intolerance in Japanese women with gestational diabetes.

During the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the Japanese Society of Diabetes and Pregnancy proposed the use of random plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin measured 1 month after delivery combined with pre-pregnancy body mass index to detect postpartum glucose intolerance instead of carrying out the oral glucose tolerance test in women with gestational diabetes. We retrospectively evaluated the clinical utility of this strategy to detect postpartum glucose intolerance evaluated by the oral glucose tolerance test after delivery. A total of 275 Japanese women with gestational diabetes were included in the present study. The specificity of 1-month postpartum random plasma glucose and glycated hemoglobin combined with pre-pregnancy body mass index to predict postpartum glucose intolerance was 98.0%, with a negative predictive value of 72.6%. However, sensitivity was 6.4%, with a positive predictive value of 55.6%. In conclusion, this Japanese Society of Diabetes and Pregnancy strategy showed high specificity, but low sensitivity, for detecting glucose intolerance postpartum.

Nucleotide sequence of canine Smad3.

The whole genome sequence of a Boxer dog suggested that the amino acid sequence of the carboxyl terminus of a putative Smad3 is SSVF-(COOH), not SSVS-(COOH) as in all Smad3 sequences identified in many species. Because phosphorylation of the last two serines at the carboxyl terminus is generally indispensable for Smad3-mediated signaling, the role of Smad3 may be unique in dogs. The present study determines the nucleotide sequence of the coding region of canine Smad3 and deduces the carboxyl terminal amino acids of Smad3 in several breeds. Except for the Boxer, the deduced amino acid sequence was SSVS-(COOH) in all dogs examined. In addition, the nucleotide at position 1204 in the Boxer was different from that of the other dogs. Furthermore, there was a SNP at nt 240. The present study indicates that the carboxyl terminal amino acid of canine Smad3 is not unique, although it is unknown in the Boxer breed.

Efficacy and safety of switching to insulin glargine 300 U/mL from 100 U/mL in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes: A 12-month retrospective analysis.

AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of switching to insulin glargine 300 U/mL (Gla-300) from insulin glargine 100 U/mL (Gla-100) in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). METHODS: This was a 12-month retrospective study comprising 109 patients. Primary endpoint was glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level at month 12. Secondary endpoints were hypoglycemia for the overall study period as well as body weight and insulin dose at month 12. RESULTS: Similar glycemic control was achieved with mean (standard deviation) HbA1c level of 7.7 (1.1)% (61 [12] mmol/mol) at baseline and 7.7 (1.3)% (61 [14] mmol/mol) at month 12. Fewer confirmed (<3.0 mmol/L [< 54 mg/dL]) or severe hypoglycemic events were observed (0.52 vs. 0.85 events per patient-year; rate ratio 0.61; 95% confidence interval 0.38-0.97; p = 0.037), but the percent of patients experiencing ≥1 hypoglycemic event did not differ. There was no difference in confirmed (≤3.9 mmol/L [≤ 70 mg/dL]) or severe hypoglycemia and nocturnal hypoglycemia. CONCLUSIONS: In Japanese patients with T2DM who switched to Gla-300 from Gla-100, similar glycemic control was achieved with fewer confirmed (<3.0 mmol/L [< 54 mg/dL]) or severe hypoglycemic events over a 12-month period, although the absolute benefit was marginal.

Management of Dyslipidemia in Type 2 Diabetes: Recent Advances in Nonstatin Treatment.

Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Statins have played a crucial role in its management, but residual risk remains since many patients cannot achieve their desired low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level and up to 20% of patients are statin-intolerant, experiencing adverse events perceived to be caused by statins, most commonly muscle symptoms. Recently, great advances have been made in nonstatin treatment with ezetimibe, a cholesterol absorption inhibitor, and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), all showing a proven benefit with an excellent safety profile in cardiovascular outcome trials. This review summarizes the key aspects and the evolving role of these agents in the management of dyslipidemia in patients with T2DM, along with a brief introduction of novel drugs currently in development.

A rare case of acute myocardial infarction with multivessel coronary artery ectasia successfully treated with percutaneous coronary intervention and systemic thrombolysis.

Coronary artery ectasia (CAE) is defined as a coronary artery dilatation with a diameter ≥1.5 times greater than that of a normal adjacent artery. All 3 coronary vessels can be affected by CAE, but the incidence of multivessel CAE among patients undergoing coronary angiography is quite low. We herein report an extremely rare case of acute myocardial infarction due to massive thrombi in the giant right coronary artery with multivessel CAE. Thrombus aspiration during percutaneous coronary intervention may be limited in giant coronary artery cases, and systemic thrombolysis may be effective in patients with massive thrombi in the giant coronary artery.

Low-grade meningioma showing nearly equal density with spinal fluid on radiographic images.

A 61-year-old woman had an intracranial tumour that was located on the falx. Meningioma was suspected and the tumour rapidly grew over 1 year. It showed nearly equal density with spinal fluid showing almost no enhancement on radiographic images, like microcystic meningioma. Successful removal of the tumour was achieved. Histopathologically, the tumour was diagnosed as low-grade meningioma. The meningioma had variable sized microcysts and the appearance of solid area was meningothelial meningioma. This is a rare radiographic image for meningothelial meningioma.

Gene expression of the TGF-beta family in rat brain infected with Borna disease virus.

CRNP5, a variant of Borna disease virus (BDV), has stronger pathogenesis in rats than the related variant CRP3, although only 4 amino acids in the whole genome are different. As a first step to clarify the differential pathogenesis between the variants, the present study focused on examining the expression of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta family in the brain of rats infected with BDV. The main results were as follows. (1) BDV infection, irrespective of the variant, up-regulates TGF-beta1 expression in the brain, (2) the expressions of signal receptors for TGF-beta1 are also increased, (3) the expression of brain inhibin/activin betaE is up-regulated by BDV infection, and (4) the expression of brain inhibin/activin betaC tends to be higher in rats exhibiting severe Borna disease. These results indicate that members of the TGF-beta family are involved in neuronal disorders induced by BDV infection in a ligand-dependent manner. In particular, up-regulation of inhibin/activin betaC may be a key event responsible for induction of the stronger pathogenesis of the CRNP5 variant of BDV.

Three isolations of Chaetomium globosum from erythematous epilation of canine skin.

Chaetomium globosum is commonly found in natural environments worldwide and is known to be a causative agent for emerging fungal infections. The present study describes a case of erythematous epilation of a dog caused by C. globosum. A mixed-breed young dog, a 4-months-old male, weighing 7.25 kg, showed depilation, scales, and dermatitis with slightly itchiness on his skin. The main symptom was an erythematous epilation on the left subocular skin 7.5 cm in diameter, accompanied by elephantiasis-like hyperplasia and scales. Similar lesions were observed on the skin on both sides of the ear lobes, the heels, tail, and left angulus oris. The scales from the crusted lesion were cultured on chrolamphenicole-added potato dextrose agar plates at the first visit, as well as followed by ambulatory practices. The isolates at the first visit, 1 and 3 weeks after treatment, were identified as C. globosum by mycological study and the D1/D2 domain of the large subunit rRNA gene sequence. The patient dog was treated by ketoconzole both orally and externally. The lesions were cured, showing new hair growth 9 weeks later. In addition, the susceptibilities to antifungal agents for the present C. globosum isolate were as follows: amphotericin B, 4.0 microg/ml; 5-FC 64.0 microg/ml; itraconazole, 0.5 microg/ml; miconazole, 1.0 microg/ml; fulconazole, 16.0 microg/ml; ketoconazole, 0.25 microg/ml; and micafungin, 16.0 microg/ml.